Four short sentences may best describe the sentiments of nearly 30 University of Houston employees: “I came. I weighed. I cried. I stayed.” And, they lost nearly 200 pounds in 10 weeks during the first-ever Weight Watchers at Work campus session.

“Offering a quality program like Weight Watchers on campus is a tangible way to influence work/life balance issues positively. The benefits are personal and strengthen our sense of community,” said Karl Sparks, assistant vice president for human resources.

Bringing the popular weight management program to UH wasn’t a new idea, according to Susan Rosthal, director of the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), where the weekly Weight Watchers sessions are held.

“There were several staff members who wanted to create a Weight Watchers group on campus, but they needed a place to meet and help with organizing the group and getting the minimum required number of members. So, they contacted the WRC,” Rosthal said.

Noting that WRC’s mission is to improve the lives of women on campus, Rosthal agreed to assist in establishing the group.

Launched earlier this summer, the campus Weight Watchers at Work is open to faculty, staff and students. The group of men and women, primarily staff members, meet from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. every Friday. They discuss topics such as healthy eating habits and exercise, said Brandy Damon, Weight Watchers leader.

The meetings, however, provide more then just the facts and figures of weight management. “The meetings help participants to realize that there are other people who have similar problems,” Damon added.
Members, including Rosthal, share their challenges, victories and disappointments, as well as tips on losing weight and low-fat recipes.
“Weight Watchers at Work provides a supportive environment and a nutrition and exercise program that can help people reduce their risk factors, and it’s right here on campus,” Rosthal said. She encourages everyone to take advantage of the campus group.

“I saw an amazing chart recently about what puts us at risk for major diseases like heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer: 50 percent is attributed to our lifestyle — predominately weight and exercise. Yes, 50 percent is totally under our own control.”

The summer’s 15-week session will end Aug. 12, but WRC plans to sponsor another session in the fall.

For more information on Weight Watchers at Work, contact Susan Rosthal at 713-743-8156 or srosthal@uh.edu or Brandy Damon at wwbrandy@aol.com.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu